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Pre-Veterinary Program

Your career as a veterinarian starts here at UND.

Animals, like humans, need medical treatment and disease prevention. If you’re interested in healthcare for animals, take a look at UND’s Pre-Veterinary Program that prepares you for veterinary school. Complete the prerequisite coursework for veterinary school, and get a head start on your medical career.

Program type:
Pre-Professional Program
Format:
On Campus
Est. time to complete:
4 years
Credit hours:
120
  • Requirements
  • Tuition & Aid
  • How to Apply

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Why study pre-veterinary?

Application Deadlines
Fall:
Aug. 15
Spring:
Dec. 15
Summer:
May 1

 

If you're an international student, refer to the international application process for deadlines.

Pre-Veterinary is a recommended curriculum that you will follow with help from a academic advisor within the UND College of Arts & Sciences. You can take classes or major in Fisheries and Wildlife Biology and study animals in one of UND's four field stations. Veterinary schools do not require any particular major,  and we'll make sure your curriculum satisfies the prerequisites needed to apply.

A few required classes are:

  • Biology
  • Chemistry/Organic Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Animal Anatomy
  • Animal Physiology
  • Microbiology
  • Genetics
  • Cell Biology

This program is not a major. See the Pre-Veterinary program information for requirements and steps needed to join.

UND's Pre-Veterinary Program

  • Work with a academic advisor to set your curriculum and stay on track.

  • Earn a UND degree, a well-rounded education, on your path to veterinary school.

  • Set yourself apart with experiential learning, community service, and volunteer opportunities through UND.

  • Participate in numerous undergraduate research opportunities in fieldwork and regional labs.

Veterinarian Careers 

20%

Expected job growth for veterinarians through 2032

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

103K

Median annual salary for veterinarians after earning a professional or doctoral degree

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Veterinarians diagnose and treat the illnesses and injuries of animals. Veterinarians can specialize in caring for not only pets, but also livestock and wildlife. Job duties may include:

  • Administering immunizations
  • Testing for disease
  • Prescribing medications
  • Performing surgeries
  • Research
  • Advising owners on caring for their animals.

Veterinarians typically work in private clinics or hospitals, but some travel to farms, work in laboratories or classrooms, or work for the government.

The demand for veterinarians is expected to grow, so you can expect a strong career in the field.

Pre-Veterinary Courses

BIOL 376. Animal Biology. 3 Credits.

Evolution, morpho-anatomy, development, reproduction and other aspects of the natural history of invertebrate and vertebrate animals. Prerequisite: BIOL 151 or BIOL 111. S.

BIOL 315. Genetics. 3 Credits.

An introduction to genetics, with emphasis on classical genetic analysis and the biochemistry of gene transmission, expression and regulation. Prerequisite: BIOL 150, BIOL 150L, BIOL 151, and BIOL 151L or an equivalent approved by the department. F.

BIOL 332. General Ecology. 3 Credits.

An introduction to ecology. Covers the relationship of individuals, populations, communities and ecosystems to their biotic and abiotic environments. Prerequisite: BIOL 150, BIOL 150L, BIOL 151, and BIOL 151L or an equivalent approved by the department. F.

BIOL 338. Animal Behavior. 2 Credits.

Studies in animal social behavior. The influences of environmental factors on behavior is emphasized. Prerequisite: BIOL 150, BIOL 150L, BIOL 151, BIOL 151L or an equivalent approved by the department. S, even years.

BIMD 220. Human Anatomy & Physiology I. 3 Credits.

BIMD 220 (3 credits) and BIMD 221 (3 credits) together are a complete survey of the anatomy and physiology of the major human organ systems and the foundational concepts required to understand them. BIMD 220 covers beginner material on introductory A&P, cells, and tissues, as well as advancing through the skin, skeletal, muscle and nervous organ systems. BIMD 221 is a more advanced study of the endocrine, lymphatic, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems. Each concept is presented through the lens of a diverse human population and both BIMD 220 and 221 are validated as essential studies special emphasis courses covering "The Diversity of Human Experience" topic. Together the courses are designed to meet field standards using the HAPS learning outcomes and goals. Corequisite: Either BIOL 150 and BIOL 150L or CHEM 116 and CHEM 116L or CHEM 121 and CHEM 121L. F,S.

BIMD 302. General Microbiology Lecture. 2 Credits.

An introduction to general microbiology with emphasis on the morphology, classification, and physiology of bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses. The significance of microorganisms in consumer product production, waste disposal, the environment, and interaction with humans is discussed. Two hours of lecture per week. Prerequisite: BIOL 150 and CHEM 116 or CHEM 121, with a grade of C or better in both prerequisite courses. S.

Leaders in Health

Develop the skills to shape the future of healthcare.

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Explore More Options

While veterinary schools do not require any particular major, many pre-veterinarian students major in Biology — or a similar field.

  • Find Biology majors
  • College of Arts & Sciences

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